Related Articles

All travelers crossing international borders -- by land, sea or air -- must possess international travel documents that show proof of identity and citizenship. The United States requires all persons, whether citizen or visitor, show this proof before being allowed to enter the U.S.

Visa/Passport Requirements

The United States Department of State issues passports to U.S. citizens for short-term travel ventures, and visas for temporary stays. To be accepted, both documents must have no alterations, mutilations or damage. Additionally, the documents must not expire for at least six months after your trip date and should have at least two to four blank pages for documentation. Because some states require these specifics for entry into the country, you may be prevented from leaving the country if you can't meet these requirements.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, effective June 1, 2009, requires that all U.S. citizens present a valid passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States. This includes children under 16, and even newborns. The WHTI covers travels to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and 17 Caribbean regions. WHTI-compliant travel documents -- only approved for re-entry in the U.S. by land or sea -- include a Trusted Traveler Card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, Enhanced Tribal card, U.S. military identification with military travel orders, U.S. Merchant Marine document when traveling under official maritime business, Native American tribal photo identification card or a Form I-872 American Indian card.

Health Documentation

Depending on your travel destination, you may have to show proof of vaccinations and doctor's clearance before the country allows you to enter. Plan to visit an approved doctor at least four to six weeks before your departure, as some vaccinations need time to become effective or require a series of treatments. Additionally, certain vaccinations, such as the yellow fever shot, are regulated and can only be issued by authorized providers, many of whom see patients by appointment only.

Registration

Although not required by any country, the U.S. Department of State recommends that traveling U.S. citizens register with the State Department, to facilitate communication in case of an emergency involving a family member in the U.S. or you. Privacy laws prevent the Department of State from providing your registration to unauthorized parties. If a family member needs to contact you during your international travel, the member will contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, which will contact the consulate or embassy in the country in which you're located. In turn, the consulate or embassy member will locate you.

International Warnings and Notices

Stay informed of the dangers and restrictions in your destination. The U.S. Department of State provides three informative notifications to review before proceeding with your travels. The Country-Specific Information program provides information on more than 200 countries, including crime and security data, road safety, detours and entry requirements. Travel Alerts aim to quickly disperse information on terrorist threats and poor conditions that may put U.S. citizens at risk, while Travel Warnings recommend that U.S. citizens avoid a country due to dangerous conditions, terrorist activity or because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with the country, making it difficult to assisting you.

References

Resources

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2004, Charmayne Smith focuses on corporate materials such as training manuals, business plans, grant applications and technical manuals. Smith's articles have appeared in the "Houston Chronicle" and on various websites, drawing on her extensive experience in corporate management and property/casualty insurance.

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Travel Tips editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.